ipod nano

[cse]

I have just purchased my first ipod. Can't believe how awful the supplied headphones are. Can they really supply ones that distort so easily? What do you recommend for good sound quality at a reasonable price, that provide instantly recognisable sonic improvements.

 

[idc]

The FiiO E5 amp and Sennheiser PX200s at £56 off Amazon for both. The FiiO as an amzingly good mini amp that gives the already dynamic Senns a big lift. Ideal for rock.

 

[John Duncan]

Sennheiser CX300-II are thirteen quid on play.com today, and the old ones are my current phone of choice...

 

[cse]

John Duncan, have just ordered the headphones that you recomeneded. Hope you are right!

 

[Anonymous]

New QuietComfort 15 headphones

 

[cse]

Now have the Sennheier CX300 headphones. What a disapointment. Still sound very tiny and shrill through the ipod and my computer. Infact, I think the original headphones sound better, if a little less detailed.

 

[idc]

What EQ setting have you got on the ipod? Play about with it and you should be able to beef up the sound from tiny and shrill, before you go out and buy more headphones. I found jazz made for a lively and forward sound which is what I like.

 

[John Duncan]

cse:Now have the Sennheier CX300 headphones. What a disapointment. Still sound very tiny and shrill through the ipod and my computer. Infact, I think the original headphones sound better, if a little less detailed.

Ooo no no no. Make sure you have the right sized buds on, and that they're stuck right in your ears and form a proper seal...

 

[SnowyJohn]

I agree... those 300's are a quality sounding earphone. Certainly the best under £50...

 

[cse]

idc. I found playing around with the settings makes very little difference to the sound. I'm also surprised that volume is so low when at full.

 

[basshound]

cse:
I'm also surprised that volume is so low when at full.

Sounds like the volume limit is on,go into menu-settings-playback-volume limit and increase the max.volume. I`m also surprised the Sennheisers have not improved the sound as John says make sure you have the right size buds and push them firmly into your ears.What bit rate are you ripping at? Try changing to 320 if you are using less than that.

 

[cse]

The volume limit is not on, it's set at the highest possible. Also, those Senheisser headphones are definitely inferior to the ones supplied with the nano, in terms of build quality, durability and sound quality. Infact, I was thinking that the iopd nano, really isn't any better than the original (and excellent) Sony walkman. Certainlly, it is much more convenient, but when listened to via headphones on the move, with songs from itunes, it is no better sonically than a pre-recorded cassette!

 

[idc]

Cse, what you say is contrary to so many other comments. The Senns really should outperform the supplied bids and the Nano from itunes should sound way better than a cassette!

So some suggestions -

try other headphones, any you can get a beg, borrow, steal loan of and try them. Lets rule out faulty Senns

try another Nano with a view to ruling out a faulty Nano.

try any ipod, you may just not get on with them, even though they are so highly rated

try the 5 Rs http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/ to 'reboot' your Nano

what bit rate have you got your music at? Whilst many deny the ability to seriously differentiate between bit rates, you may be able to easily

 

[manicm]

cse - I concur with others here as I have the CX300s as well - are you sure you haven't picked up a notorious fleabay (eBay) special? Is yours new?

In fact if new you should have got the 300CX IIs.

1. Anyway to repeat take JDs advice and make sure you've got the right size - I'd try the medium plugs first - and push them in your ear right in.

2. Since they have ample bass - switch off the equalizer totally. You can then fiddle about after if you want, but off is the best bet.

3. Nothing sounds as bad as the stock Apple buds!

Good luck.

 

[cse]

EQ off definitely makes a great improvement, in terms of clarity. Although still very tinny! I think I just must be used to good quality HIFI.